How Charli XCX became a certified queer icon: ‘She’s making us feel empowered’
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Tete Bang, a drag star and DJ, had a confession to make. For the longest time, she refused to admit that she loved Charli XCX. She cringed as she recounted the experience of finally coming out as a Charli stan. “I just didn’t want to be a Charli XCX queer… the more iconic she became, I just couldn’t keep it in anymore.”
Back in 2012, when Charli XCX, born Charlotte Aitchison, was just 20 years old and her career was starting to take off, she was one of many upcoming indie pop artists vying for the spotlight. She fit nicely alongside other artists like Sky Ferreira, Marina Diamandis, and MØ. However, with her slightly vapid second album, “Sucker,” in 2014, she was disregarded by some as just another paint-by-numbers pop girly.
“At one point, [being a Charli XCX gay] was aligned with [being] an ASOS gay. It’s quite stereotypical homosexual,” Tete says. “As her music has evolved, the fandom has also evolved. It’s become less basic.”
In 2016, Charli’s music took a new direction. After working with trans producer Sophie and British drag legend Jodie Harsh, she released the “Vroom Vroom” EP, her first venture into avant-pop and one of the earlier iterations of hyperpop to receive mainstream attention.
Critics may not have fully understood her new sound, but the LGBTQ+ community did. Over the years, the queer community’s connection to Charli XCX has become palpable, and she has become synonymous with queer pop music lovers.
As Charli prepares to release her sixth studio album, “Brat,” she has been leaning into her connection with the LGBTQ+ community both metaphorically and physically. At her recent pre-album Boiler Room set in New York, she got up close and personal with her queer fans, and her latest “360” music video features an abundance of trans talent.
One song on “Brat,” titled “So I,” is a remarkably vulnerable tribute to Sophie, who tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 34. Tete believes that Sophie’s influence on Charli was profound and helped shape her career trajectory.
Charli has collaborated with numerous queer artists, from well-known stars like Troye Sivan and Kim Petras to lesser-known artists like Tommy Genesis, Dorian Electra, Pabllo Vittar, and Big Freedia. Tete insists that Charli is willing to lift up lesser-known artists and help elevate those who may not have the same platform she does.
But it’s not just musicians that Charli has championed; she has also supported drag artists. Her music has become a rite of passage for drag performers internationally. Drag queen Paige Three recalls seeing Charli perform at London gay nightclub Heaven and notes the parallels between Charli’s career evolution and a drag artist’s journey of finding their own vibe and brand.
From indie newcomer to manufactured pop princess and now experimental provocateur, Charli has lived many lives in her career and has now entered her “Brat” era. Paige sees this era as one of rebellion and risk-taking, reminiscent of Britney Spears’ “Blackout” album—a favorite among the queer community.
Charli XCX effortlessly embodies the role of a queer ally through both trivial and serious actions. She actively supports the LGBTQ+ community through her music, performances, and social activism. Paige believes that Charli doesn’t need to talk about being an ally; she just is one.
Ultimately, Charli’s music speaks volumes to the LGBTQ+ community. It empowers listeners and makes them feel fabulous. As Tete points out, dancing to a Charli song instantly makes you feel like the cool girl—a feeling that resonates deeply with queer people.
“Brat” is set to be released on June 7th, and fans can catch The Grand Goes Charli XCX event at the Clapham Grand on Saturday, May 25th.
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